How does Luke 20:35 define those "worthy of the age to come"? Setting the scene Jesus had just been challenged by the Sadducees, who denied any future resurrection. In reply, He contrasted temporal earthly life with the coming age, painting a vivid picture of those whom God “considers worthy” to participate in that new era. Key verse “But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage.” (Luke 20:35) What “worthy” does not mean • Humanly earned status by works or pedigree (Ephesians 2:8-9) • Moral perfection achieved apart from grace (Titus 3:5) What “worthy” does mean • God’s gracious verdict granted through faith in His Son (Romans 3:24; Philippians 3:9) • A life that now bears fruit consistent with that verdict, showing evidences of regeneration (Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:10) • Perseverance in faith until the end, holding Christ as supreme treasure (Hebrews 3:14; Revelation 3:4) How Luke 20:35 itself profiles the “worthy” • They “attain to that age” – fully ushered into God’s promised kingdom, free from the limitations of the present world. • They share “the resurrection from the dead” – bodily raised, never to die again (1 Corinthians 15:52-54). • Their earthly institutions such as marriage are left behind; their deepest fulfillment is now in unbroken fellowship with God (Luke 20:35-36). • They possess an immortal nature, “like the angels,” yet remain distinctly human and embodied (Luke 20:36). • They are designated “sons of God” and “sons of the resurrection,” a family identity secured by adoption through Christ (Romans 8:23; 1 John 3:1-2). Additional biblical markers of those counted worthy • Clothed in Christ’s righteousness (Isaiah 61:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21) • Names recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27) • Marked by steadfast hope amid suffering (2 Thessalonians 1:5) • Kept by the power of God for salvation ready to be revealed (1 Peter 1:5) Living in light of the coming age • Embrace the gospel now, trusting Christ’s finished work and resting in His righteousness. • Cultivate holiness, remembering that present choices anticipate eternal realities (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Fix hope on the resurrection, holding earthly relationships and possessions loosely (Colossians 3:1-4). • Persevere under trials, knowing present afflictions prepare believers for “an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Summary Luke 20:35 identifies the “worthy” as those whom God graciously counts fit for His eternal kingdom, uniting them with Christ in a death-defeating resurrection. Freed from temporary institutions, they enter immortal life as God’s children, perfectly satisfied in Him forever. |
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